El Al has informed passengers of a new safety policy prohibiting the use of portable power banks during flights, citing concerns over fire hazards caused by overheating and ignition incidents onboard aircraft.

The Israeli airline announced over the weekend that passengers are no longer permitted to use portable chargers at any point during a flight, nor may they charge such devices using the aircraft’s electrical outlets. The move brings El Al in line with international aviation safety standards already adopted by many global carriers.

In a notice to customers, the airline stated that there is now an absolute ban on using portable power banks during flight, as well as a prohibition on charging them through onboard power sockets. El Al also clarified that power banks with a capacity exceeding 100 watt-hours are not approved for air travel.

Under the updated guidelines, each passenger may bring only one portable power bank onboard, and its capacity must not exceed 100Wh. Chargers that do not clearly display their watt-hour rating will not be permitted on the aircraft.

El Al warned that passengers who do not comply with the new requirements risk having the device confiscated by the flight crew. The airline emphasized that it bears no responsibility for loss or damage to power banks that are seized due to failure to meet safety regulations.

The airline said the decision was driven by multiple cases worldwide in which portable chargers caught fire during flights, posing a serious safety risk.

The updated policy aligns with recommendations issued by international aviation authorities, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, the International Air Transport Association, and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Similar restrictions have already been implemented by other airlines. Swiss International Air Lines, for example, banned the use of portable power banks during flights beginning January 15 and limited passengers to carrying no more than two such devices.

El Al said the new measures are part of its ongoing efforts to enhance onboard safety and reduce the risk of fire-related incidents during air travel.

{Matzav.com}